Kelly's Run trailhead reopens

Talen Energy closed a Holtwood Dam area park.
Sean Heisey, York Daily Record

The Kelly's Run trailhead at Holtwood Park has reopened.

Buy Photo

Landowner Talen Energy had placed no-trespassing signs in Holtwood Park in Martic Township, Lancaster County, where the trailhead to Kelly's Run is located. The energy company recently removed the signs and permitted access to the trailhead and parking lot.(Photo: Kate Penn, York Daily Record)Buy Photo

The park was near the company's Holtwood Dam hydroelectric plant, and when the company sold the power station, it didn't want to maintain the park in Martic Township. At that time, Talen's spokesman, Todd Martin, said there were no plans to sell, develop or donate the land.

Now the company is working out a plan to give the land to Lancaster County Conservancy and its partners, Martin said. Under that plan, the conservancy would oversee the park and trailhead to the popular hiking trail, known for its waterfalls.

Meanwhile, Talen has reached a verbal agreement with Lancaster County Conservancy and its partners to allow hikers to park their vehicles and access the trail, Martin said.

Although the parking lot to the trailhead is open, the park itself remains closed for the time being because it requires maintenance to keep it safe for the public, Martin said.

“We are all hoping that in the coming weeks we can get a final agreement, and the transfer can take place and the park can be reopen," he said.

Buy Photo

Gates were closed in Holtwood Park to in Martic Township. Access to the parking lot has since reopened, though the park itself is still closed until the owner, Talen Energy, transfers the land to the Lancaster County Conservancy.(Photo: Kate Penn, York Daily Record)